Norled's MF Hydra: First Clean Energy, Liquid Hydrogen-powered Ferry Now Operational in Norway

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 02 April 2023, 10:04 pm

The world's first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry has been launched by Norwegian company Norled. Named MF Hydra, the 82.4-meter-long vessel can carry 300 passengers and 80 cars in one trip, making it one of the largest ferries of its kind.

This makes it a highly sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered ferries.

The MF Hydra is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% each year compared to a conventional ferry of a similar size. This will have a significant impact on the environment, as ferries are a major source of pollution in many coastal areas around the world.

Norled's MF Hydra Brings Ferry Operations in Clean Energy

(Photo : Norled)

Norled's recent press release announced a world's first in ferry operations, with the MF Hydra now operating to bring clean energy to its coast-to-coast travel, to reduce a significant contribution made by ferries to the environment. The company is also exploring the possibility of building more liquid hydrogen-powered ferries in the future.

According to Interesting Engineering, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration collaborated with Norled for the procurement of its new ferry, toward a carbon-neutral future for the country.

The development of the MF Hydra was supported by the Norwegian government, which has invested heavily in renewable energy and sustainable transportation in recent years. The government has set a goal of having all new cars sold in Norway be zero-emission vehicles by 2025, and it has also announced plans to ban the sale of gasoline and diesel-powered cars by 2025.

Liquid Hydrogen is Clean for Ferry Operations

"There are only two parties in the world that use liquid hydrogen as a fuel. These are Norled with the MF Hydra, and then the space industry using it as fuel for launches, "says Erlend Hovland, Chief Technology Officer of Norled.

"This says something about the giant technology leap now taken for the maritime industry. After a lot of development and testing, we are now looking forward to welcoming passengers on board for a zero-emission journey between Hjelmeland and Nesvik," he added.

Clean Energy for the Maritime Industry

Norway's commitment to sustainability has made it a leader in the transition to renewable energy and eco-friendly transportation. The launch of the MF Hydra is just the latest example of the country's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable living.

The MF Hydra is not the only liquid hydrogen-powered ferry in development, either. Other companies around the world are also exploring the use of liquid hydrogen as a fuel source for marine transportation, including a project in Japan to develop a liquid hydrogen-powered cargo ship.

Other companies also center on building solar-powered boats that could turn into a camper when on the waters, bringing a new experience aboard.

As the world looks for ways to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, liquid hydrogen-powered ferries could play an important role in the transition to a more sustainable future. With the launch of the MF Hydra, Norled has shown that such technology is not only possible but also practical and efficient.

As other companies and governments around the world follow Norway's lead, we could see a future where all ferries are powered by clean and renewable energy sources.